Kniko Howard is known as the son of Draya Michele, but his life is very different from what many people expect. Even with a famous mother, Kniko chooses to stay quiet and live a simple life. That choice makes people curious about him.
Many fans have seen Kniko Howard only a few times at big events. After that, he slowly stepped away from the cameras and social media. Instead of chasing fame, he focused on school, family, and growing up in his own way. This makes his story more interesting.
In this article, we will talk about Kniko Howard’s life in a simple way. We will cover who he is, his childhood, his mother’s journey as a young mom, and the truth about his father. So let’s get started.
Who Is Kniko Howard?
Kniko Howard was born on December 29, 2002, in the United States. He is the first child of Draya Michele. As of 2026, Kniko Howard is 23 years old. He is an American and comes from a mixed family background.
Most people know Kniko Howard because of his mother. Draya became famous on TV and later built her own business. Even with this fame around him, Kniko never tried to be in the spotlight. He stayed quiet and private from a young age.
Kniko Howard does not use public social media. He does not share his daily life online. This makes him different from many celebrity kids. People respect him for choosing peace and privacy over attention.
Kniko Howard’s Early Life
Kniko Howard’s early life was not easy. His mother gave birth to him when she was only 17 years old. At that time, Draya did not have fame or money. Life was hard, but she stayed strong for her son.
Draya worked different jobs while raising Kniko. She slowly built her career step by step. During this time, Kniko grew up watching his mom work hard and never give up. This helped shape his calm and mature nature.
Very little is shared about Kniko’s childhood. This was done on purpose to protect him. Even as a child, he was kept away from cameras. Later, in 2021, Kniko Howard started college at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
Draya Michele as a Young Mom
Draya Michele has spoken openly about being a young mom. She said she was not scared because her own mother supported her fully. That support helped her raise Kniko with love and care during difficult years.
Raising Kniko alone was not easy. Draya said she handled everything herself. She worked long hours and still made time for her son. She wanted Kniko to feel safe, loved, and supported every day.
As Kniko grew older, Draya stayed involved in his life. She woke up early to help him, even when she was tired. She shared that being Kniko’s mom changed her life and made her stronger as a person.
Who Is Kniko’s Dad?
There were many rumors about Kniko Howard’s father over the years. Some people wrongly said a famous basketball player was his dad. These rumors caused confusion and stress for Draya and her family.
In 2016, Draya finally spoke up. She clearly said that Kniko Howard’s father is Kniko Howard Sr., a barber who lives in Pennsylvania. She said she never lied about this and wanted the truth to be known.
Draya also shared that Kniko’s father was sent to prison for ten years when she was seven months pregnant. She raised Kniko without child support and asked people to stop spreading false stories. After that, she chose silence to protect her son.
Kniko Howard Is a Big Brother Too
Kniko Howard is not just a quiet and smart young man — he is also a great big brother. In 2016, his mom, Draya Michele, had a second child, a son named Jru Scandrick. Jru’s father is former NFL player Orlando Scandrick.
When Jru was born, Kniko was still a teenager, but he helped his mom a lot. Draya said she got real support from Kniko during that time. He would help around the house and be there for his little brother whenever needed.
Kniko and Jru have a strong bond. Even though they have different fathers, they grew up in the same home and shared happy moments. In 2024, Kniko also became a big brother again when Draya had a daughter with NBA player Jalen Green. Now, Kniko has two younger siblings — and he continues to be a caring older brother.
Fun Times on the Red Carpet
Even though Kniko Howard likes to stay out of the spotlight, he has made a few special public appearances with his mom. These moments gave fans a rare look at him — and many were surprised to see how grown-up and tall he was.
One big event was the 2017 premiere of Despicable Me 3. Kniko walked the red carpet with Draya and looked very mature. They also attended the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards together and took photos on the red carpet.
After those few events, Kniko started stepping away from the cameras. He now avoids public events and doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. His mother supports his choice and no longer brings him to red carpet shows.
Draya Michele’s Parenting Style
Draya Michele is proud of how she raised her children. She has said that she feels lucky to have well-behaved kids, and that being a mom helped her grow stronger and more focused in life.
She also respects her children’s choices. For example, Kniko no longer shares anything about his mom on social media, and Draya supports that. She doesn’t post about him either, because she wants him to feel free and respected.
Draya also believes in non-traditional parenting. She says it’s okay to co-parent without being in a relationship. She tries her best to create a happy and safe life for all her children, no matter who their father is.
Final Thoughts
Kniko Howard may be the son of a celebrity, but he has built a quiet and strong life for himself. He focuses on school, family, and privacy — not on being famous. In a world full of attention and noise, his peaceful life is refreshing.
From helping raise his younger brother to choosing a private college life, Kniko shows maturity and kindness. His story teaches us that you don’t need the spotlight to be special.
As of 2026, Kniko Howard lives in Atlanta, continues his studies, and stays close to his family. While his mother Draya Michele remains a public figure, Kniko walks his own calm path — and that’s what makes him stand out.
(FAQs)
How old is Kniko Howard now?
Kniko Howard was born on December 29, 2002. As of 2026, he is 23 years old.
Who is Kniko Howard’s father?
His father is Kniko Howard Sr., a barber from Pennsylvania. He is not a public figure and was previously incarcerated.
Is Gilbert Arenas Kniko’s dad?
No. That was a rumor. Draya Michele confirmed in 2016 that Gilbert Arenas is not Kniko’s father.
Who is Kniko Howard’s mother?
His mother is Draya Michele, a reality TV star, actress, and entrepreneur. She became famous on Basketball Wives LA.
Does Kniko Howard have any siblings?
Yes, he has two younger half-siblings: a brother named Jru Scandrick (born in 2016), and a baby sister (born in May 2024) from Draya’s relationship with Jalen Green.
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